Nominations Open for 2017 Queen of Country Music Quest

Nominations for the 2017 Queen of Country Music Quest have opened, with local businesses and community groups urged to get involved in the event that’s been supporting local women since 1984.

Now in its 32nd year, the Queen of Country Music Quest empowers young women from the Tamworth region to develop important personal and professional skills like public speaking, networking and community service.

This year, the Quest has been given an added boost with the announcement it will be run by the Tamworth branch of international female advocacy group Zonta, which empowers women through service and advocacy.

Tamworth Zonta Club president Deb Maes said she was excited about taking the Quest forward.

“The club is committed to expanding the Quest and are joining collaboratively with others in the community so the Quest can be an even more valuable experience for the entrants, sponsors, employers and the whole community,” Deb said.

Nominations close September 30, and is open to women aged 18-35 years who must be nominated and sponsored by their employer, a local business or community organisation to get involved.

All Quest nominees will receive professional development in October and November including workshops on etiquette, grooming, personal presentation, media training, confidence coaching and a six-week public speaking and leadership course from The Tamworth Communicators.

In December, 15 Quest finalists will be named, then officially “sashed” at the Tamworth Country Music Festival Opening Concert on Friday 20 January. These finalists will act as advocates of the Tamworth Country Music Festival and also of Tamworth as a destination of choice in NSW.

The major honours -- Queen and Princess of Country Music -- will be announced at a gala dinner at the Tamworth Jockey Club on Friday 27th January 2017.

The winner will be awarded the major prize, which this year is a trip to Tamworth’s sister city, Gore in New Zealand where she will represent Tamworth at the 2017 Gore Country Music Festival.

Both the Queen and Princess will be ambassadors for Tamworth and the region throughout 2017, spending the next 12 months involved in a range of high-profile civic and community events, guest speaking engagements and corporate and festival functions.

Last year’s Quest Winner, Madeline Lang, encouraged local women keen on personal and professional development to seek nomination from their employer or community group.

“The Quest is a unique experience and I would absolutely encourage anyone who is interested in personal development to get involved. It’s also a great chance to learn new skills, gain professional and personal confidence and make some good friends along the way,” Madeline said.

Entrants must be available to attend all scheduled events throughout the Tamworth Country Music Festival and later events throughout 2017.

Nomination forms can be found at the Toyota Country Music Festival Tamworth website located here.